Abdominal pain and kidney stones

A stone may obstruct urine flow from a kidney, stretching the urinary tract and triggering intense, wave-like pain. The discomfort often starts in the flank, between the ribs and hip, then shifts into the lower abdomen or groin as the stone moves.

Nausea, vomiting, urinary urgency, pain when passing urine, or visible blood in the urine can accompany a kidney stone. Similar pain can arise from other urinary, digestive, reproductive, or musculoskeletal problems, so the pattern alone does not confirm the cause.

Arrange a medical assessment if the pain is new, strong, recurring, or unexplained. Note where it began, whether it travels, any urinary changes, fever, vomiting, medicines taken, and whether pregnancy is possible. A clinician may examine the abdomen and back and use urine, blood, or imaging tests to identify obstruction and guide treatment.

While waiting for advice, rest in a position that feels manageable and drink normally unless a clinician has restricted your fluids. Do not force large volumes of water during severe pain or persistent vomiting. Check with a pharmacist or clinician before using pain medicine if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, take blood thinners, or could be pregnant.

Seek urgent medical care for abdominal or flank pain with fever, chills, confusion, fainting, inability to pass urine, or feeling severely unwell. Infection behind a urinary blockage can become dangerous and should not be managed at home.

Prompt assessment is also warranted when pain remains uncontrolled, vomiting prevents fluids staying down, there is substantial blood in the urine, you have one functioning kidney, or you are pregnant. Sudden severe abdominal pain or a rigid, very tender abdomen requires emergency evaluation because causes other than stones may need immediate treatment.

Ask what is most likely causing the pain, whether urine or imaging tests are appropriate, how to use pain relief safely, and what symptoms should trigger urgent help. If a stone is found, ask whether it is likely to pass without a procedure and whether follow-up or prevention advice is needed.